DIY Maintenance Tip #1: Disable Applications from starting up with Windows

The only software that needs to start with Windows is your antivirus.  So many other crappy software programs try to start with Windows.  Even useful software will install and run stuff you don't really need. For instance, Java and Adobe install updaters that continually suck CPU cycles and slow your boot times. If your Java is out of date, your browser or Java apps will let you know. 
Adobe, Apple, Intel, and others love to install background applications that help their software load faster or assist in some other way. If it's for a piece of software you use regularly, it may be worth it. If not, you might want to disable it.

To disable a background app, run msconfig.exe in Windows XP or 7 or the task manager in Windows 8, and select the Startup tab. Once again, searching online for information may be required to find out what's useful and what's not. Some programs still use the Startup folder on the Start Menu, so you can remove items from there as well. There's no undo as with the Startup tab, so while you're only removing a shortcut, it pays to be a bit more careful with the Start Menu.

Note: Adobe Flash is an oddball: You must log on to the company's website to stop it from automatically updating itself.